Stress-Related Cardiomyopathy or Tako-Tsubo Syndrome: Current Concepts

pp. 218-223

Abstract

Tako-Tsubo syndrome, also referred to as stress-related cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome is a condition that has been recently described mimicking an acute coronary syndrome in its clinical, analytical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics. The diagnosis is made on the basis of coronary arteries with absence of significant obstruction, a typical left ventricular shape and complete recovery of ventricular function. This condition occurs mostly in post-menopausal women under some form of physical or mental stress. Treatment is empirical and similar to that of acute myocardial infarction, with special attention in the administration of beta blockers and anticoagulation therapy. Although associated complications, such as heart failure, may occur in the acute phase, its clinical course is favorable and recurrence is exceptional. These features, as well as the physiopathology of this syndrome that is becoming more frequent in our environment, are discussed in this review.